Synopsis: The development and implementation of a strength-based plan for providing services to children with serious emotional disturbance and their families is recommended in systems of care approaches. Panelists will address the following questions: While a strengh-based approach is conceptually appealing, what theory and guidelines exist for operationalizing such plans? Is there empirical research examining the degree to which service provision is strength-based and the impact of using that model? What further research is needed in this area?